Effects of aluminum on the mechanical and electrical activity of the Langendorff-perfused rat heart

The effects of increasing concentrations of mercury (Hg 2+ ) chloride (0.5, 1, 2 and 10 μM) on the myocardial electromechanical activity were studied on 10 Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Hg 2+ decreased the development of isovolumic systolic pressure from 20.3±2.13 mmHg under control conditions to 6.25±1.32 mmHg at 10 μM HgCl 2 (P<0.01) (diastolic pressure=0 mmHg)